US and Pakistan Relations: Muddling Towards Compelling Coincident Interests
Abstract
The U.S.-Pakistan relationship is at a critical juncture in its tempestuous 65-year history. Since Pakistan's formation as a separate nation, U.S.-Pakistan mutual interests over external threats drove cooperation during three periods: 1948-1965, 1979-1990, and 2001-present. Conversely, Pakistan's territorial disputes and conflicts with India coupled with their pursuit of competitive nuclear programs generated discord between the United States and Pakistan and strained relations during two periods: 1965-1979 and 1990-2001. The relationship has been exceptionally volatile in nature, and the whipsawed association has undermined the trust of both countries. How that relationship unfolds over the next 5 years will likely dictate the future security of Pakistan and the stability and prosperity of South and Central Asia. A critical driver will be what ensues in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal and transition from Afghanistan and how both countries respond to those events. The stakes are high because of the volatile and ominous context of the near-term strategic and operational environment. Pakistan and the United States must act to exploit their compelling coincident interests and mitigate their differences. This paper provides a brief history of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship to set the context for current and future relations. It then examines the U.S.-Pakistan relationship from both nations' perspectives and concludes with recommendations for a way forward that addresses the social, political, diplomatic, informational, and military domains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560643
Entities
People
- Naeem Ashraf
Organizations
- United States Army War College